Chapter 7
898 Words
He came closer, hesitated for a brief moment then asked “Hey, are you alright?"
She stepped further away, trying her best to avoid him.
He noticed the change. The way she took a step back, the way her shoulders trembled, the way she stood with her hands clasped. He looked at her and tried again, gentler this time.
“You've been standing here for a while… Are you waiting for someone?"
She simply nodded, not meeting his eyes.
The man bent his head to meet her gaze. Gentlest this time, he approached again.
“You don't look well… Are you alright? Need anything?”
She shook her head.
“If you want a ride, I can offer you a lift… That black Mercedes is mine.”
She looked up at him. Aaron's words replaying in mind "they approach you and offer you help, offer you a ride. That's how they make you disappear.” He was doing the same. He is exactly how Aaron described the strangers to be.
He shifted, replaying his words and the tone in his mind. "Ah this made it worse!" That wasn't said out loud but it was deeply understood.
He then stepped away and carried on like he didn't belong there.
Elena watched him retreat, or what she thought it was. A faint twitch tugged at the corner of her lips “I survived a stranger! I'm not that vulnerable!" She smiled to herself thinking this. Her shoulders eased and she led out a deep sigh.
She turned her head in the direction where the man went, checking, or confirming he was gone. He went inside one of the shops down the lane.
A minute passed. Maybe two…
Elena was busy looking at her watch and calculating the time until suddenly she heard
“You want water?” He bought a brand new sealed bottle of water, though he had one in his car. A new bottle for her. He extended his hand, offering water but still maintained a little distance.
Aaron had also said "They return again, trying different ways to convince you… Once they choose you, this is how they get you.” and this time, it played louder. "They offer you stuff, the moment you accept it, you don’t lose control, they take it from you. You thought it was safe. They made sure it wasn’t.”
"He chose me?” She thought to herself.
“I didn't add anything to it… It's sealed, see? You should carry one when you're out during this time of day…"
He was right. It was sealed, he probably couldn't add anything. But, what if he injected it? Aaron said sometimes they find ways to make it appear harder to notice…
The man stood still with hand extended, almost overwhelmed by the weight of it.
She looked at the bottle like it was something forbidden to touch. Her condition began worsening. To the extent that her legs could no longer carry her. She lost balance but then quickly held herself, thinking he'd not notice it.
But he did. “Be Careful! You've been standing for so long! Why don't you sit there?" He said pointing at the wooden bench in front of a shop, on the opposite side of the road.
Elena looked around and saw the bench, then at him. Was he really concerned? Or did he just pretend to?
"Want my help to cross the road?”
“No, thanks. I'm fine here.” She finally said.
"Ok. Here, have this water… you really need it…" the man insisted.
Elena stared at him, at his extended hand he didn't withdraw. He was not pretending. His eyes were filled with concern.
She slowly extended her hand and took the bottle. He smiled. But it wasn't the evil or monstrous smile. It was the smile of a little victory over struggle.
Elena took a sip. It felt like heaven. Cold water under the hot sun. He was right, she needed it.
“My name is Leonid. You see those shops down the pavement? I own them." He said, pointing towards the same shop from where he bought the water bottle.
Elena nodded.
Something about him didn't feel right.
Elena saw men around Aaron. None of them was like him. He was soft, concerned and his suggestions didn't feel like orders… His concern didn't feel like a threat… The way Aaron's does.
Yes he was protective. But never did she see him being this way… This man was, different. He didn't appear like a stranger… The stranger he described.
"Did you make a call to the person coming to pick you up? You want my phone?”
She quickly shook her head. She had her phone. The last call was of Kira. That was 35 minutes ago. She dialed her number thinking why she didn't call before.
"Hello, where are you?”
From the other side of the phone "Hi, stuck in the traffic! Is everything ok there?”
"Yeah–yeah I'm fine. Just tired of waiting… Can you hurry up?”
"Girl, we don't control the traffic! We too are tired of waiting for these cars to pass! Just be patient!” She hung the phone.
"They're coming.” She said looking at him.
"Who are they? Are they your friends?” Leonid asked, uncomfortable by their tone.
"Yes. Why?”
- Writer
